Arsenal want defensive midfielder signing, Arsene Wenger confirms

Arsenal are ready to sign a defensive midfielder this summer, according to Arsene Wenger.

The Daily Telegraph report that the Gunners will enter the market following the injury sustained by Mikel Arteta in the UEFA Champions League playoff first leg against Besiktas, and William Carvalho, Sami Khedira and Lars Bender are the three names being considered.

“We are not against that, no,” responded Wenger to journalists when asked if the Gunners would move for an anchor player before the end of August, which is just about as positive as the wily French coach gets when it comes to commenting on potential signings.

The Gunners have had a solid start to the season, thrashing Manchester City to claim the Community, winning their opening Premier League game, and drawing against Besiktas in Turkey as mentioned, but strength in depth in defensive areas could hamper their progress.

Calum Chambers has played at centre back in the absence of Per Mertesacker, while Arteta and Mathieu Flamini are the Gunners’ only options in holding midfield.

It would appear that Wenger is keen to resolve his team’s issues as soon as possible.